Page 131 of Nerdplay
My parents swing their gazes to her. My baby sister is giving me the chance to escape.
I take it and run.
I don’t make it very far. I get stopped every couple feet by guests eager to hear about my partnership. I tell each one the truth. No need for a newsletter.
Elizabeth finds me a few minutes later and corners me by the bar. “Did I hear right? You quit the firm?”
I nod. “Sure did.”
“Why?”
“I decided my outside didn’t match my inside. I wanted to rectify that before I wasted my whole life being someone I’m not.”
I expect her to pepper me with a dozen questions. Instead, she pulls me into a warm embrace. “I’m so proud of you, big brother.”
“Thanks.” It means a lot to hear that from a member of my family. “Don’t tell Mom and Dad, but I did take a handful of clients with me.”
She releases her hold on me. “I figured you had a plan.”
“It’s not set in stone. There’s one big piece I haven’t managed to lock in yet.”
“You’re Charlie Thorpe. If anybody can manage, it’s my big brother.”
Her words give me the strength I’ve been lacking. “I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
Michael’s voice cuts through the tender moment. “Why is Dad burning through Manhattans like they’re water?”
“Because Charlie quit his job,” Elizabeth says, keeping one arm slung proudly across my shoulders.
Michael scrunches his face in confusion. “You didn’t make partner?”
“Nope. Hey, we should take off our shoes.”
Elizabeth looks down at hers. “Amen to that.” She kicks off her heels without hesitation.
Michael continues to stare at me. “Bro, are you high? What’s gotten into you?”
“High on life.” I remove my socks and shoes and pad around the perfectly manicured lawn. The silky grass feels good on the bottom of my feet. I suddenly remember what it felt like to run around the backyard and play tag with the other kids in the neighborhood. When did that stop and why? I can’t remember.
Elizabeth performs a cartwheel, causing her dress to hike up. She shrieks with laughter and pulls it down as she lands.
Michael doesn’t crack a smile. “Mom and Dad will flip if they see you two acting like fools.”
“So what?” I say. “It’s a party. We’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves.”
“It’s possible to enjoy yourselves without making a scene.”
Kayla looks at her husband, then at us. “I’d like to take off my shoes, Michael. My feet are swollen.”
“Do it,” Elizabeth says. “Liberate those puppies.” She pauses. “Or is it pigs? Who goes to the market?”
Okay, I may not be high, but I’m fairly certain Elizabeth is.
“Kayla, I don’t think that’s appropriate…” My brother doesn’t finish. Kayla is already out of her shoes and barefoot on the grass.
Michael casts an anxious glance over his shoulder. “You’re all being ridiculous. This is an anniversary party, not a child’s birthday party.”
“Ooh, there should be a bouncy house,” Elizabeth says. “God, wouldn’t that be so much fun?” She begins to jump up and down and pretends she’s bouncing.
